Title: 11/22/63
Author: Stephen King
First published November 8, 2011
849 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781451627282 (ISBN10: 1451663838)
Rating: 4.32
Overview
In Stephen King’s 11/22/63, the world changed forever with Kennedy’s assassination. But what if it didn’t have to happen?
Jake Epping, an unassuming English teacher from Maine, embarks on an impossible journey to prevent history’s most infamous tragedy. Stepping back in time to 1960s America, Jake immerses himself in a world of vintage cars, diners, and rock n’ roll.
But as he falls for Sadie, a captivating librarian, Jake realizes that changing the past comes with unexpected consequences. With the fateful date of November 22nd on the horizon, Jake must confront the notorious Lee Harvey Oswald and make a decision that will alter the course of history forever.
About the Author
Stephen Edwin King was born to Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King as their second son. His father left them when he was only two years old, and he and his older brother were raised by his mother.
They moved around quite a bit during his childhood, spending time in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Stratford, Connecticut before settling in Durham, Maine when he was eleven years old. His mother had to take care of her aging parents, and the family was supported by other relatives.
Stephen attended grammar school in Durham and graduated from Lisbon Falls High School in 1966. While at the University of Maine at Orono, he wrote a weekly column for the school newspaper and was involved in student politics.
He supported the anti-war movement and graduated in 1970 with a degree in English.
Stephen met Tabitha Spruce while they were both working at the university library and they got married in 1971. He struggled to find teaching jobs and worked as a laborer at an industrial laundry, while Tabitha supported them with her student loan and savings.
Stephen sold his first short story in 1967 and continued to sell stories to men’s magazines throughout his early years of marriage.
In 1971, Stephen started teaching English at Hampden Academy while continuing to work on his writing in his free time.
Editoral Review
In Stephen King’s 2011 novel 11/22/63, the master of horror writing takes a daring leap into the science fiction genre. A departure from his usual fare, this book is a meticulously researched time-travel epic that is equal parts thrilling and poignant.
King expertly weaves together multiple threads of narrative, seamlessly blending history, politics, and romance, to deliver a story that is both imaginative and grounded in reality. The novel follows Jake Epping, a high school teacher who discovers a portal in time that leads him to 1958.
His mission: to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.
But the journey is fraught with danger and unexpected consequences. Jake must navigate a world of racism, violence, and political intrigue while struggling with the moral implications of altering history.
King’s attention to detail is impressive, as he immerses the reader in the sights, sounds, and attitudes of 1960s America. From the cars on the street to the songs on the radio, every aspect of the culture is vividly described.
The characters are equally well-drawn, with Jake’s internal struggles and romantic entanglements providing emotional depth amid the sci-fi spectacle. King’s prose is as sharp as ever, with a pacing that keeps the story moving along without sacrificing moments of reflection and introspection.
The book’s climactic scene, set in Dealey Plaza on that fateful day in Dallas, is both tense and heart-wrenching. The only drawback to the novel is its length.
Clocking in at over 800 pages, it may be daunting for some readers. However, King’s skillful storytelling makes every page worth the effort.
Overall, 11/22/63 is a triumph of genre-blending and historical imagination. King proves once again that he is a writer of great range, able to delve into new territories while still delivering the horror and suspense that made him a household name.
Fans of science fiction, historical fiction, or simply great storytelling will find much to enjoy in this book. It is a must-read for anyone with an interest in American history or the moral complexities of time travel.
The Washington Post heartily recommends it.
